Fashion has become a way for society to express itself and accessories play a major role in bringing an outfit together.
Simphiwe Mbangi is all about bringing that look together and giving an individual a personal style with his leather designer bags. Founder of Bundu Hide Genuine Skhumba, Mbangi is a bag designer from Malvern. He said he became a designer by chance.
“My inspiration came from the frustration of buying a laptop bag and I realised that there is a limited choice in terms of style. Looking at the standard look laptop is when I came up with an idea of designing bags that suit my style,” explained Mbangi.
From that frustration, he saw an opportunity to produce lifestyle merchandise that was more than simply a bag. “I wanted my bags to make a statement and be different,” he said. The self-taught designer from KwaZulu-Natal said the journey began six months ago and has not been easy because he had to do a lot of research for his business to succeed.
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“I started researching bag-making and looking up the local leather industry and from there decided to pursue the business. I decided to manufacture them myself to cut costs,” he said. He added that six months ago, he couldn’t sew anything but now he is making bags. “I purchased a machine and started teaching myself from YouTube videos and experimenting with vinyl material and leather look-alikes to perfect my skill.”
He has been marketing his product on his Bundu Hide Genuine Skhumba Facebook page and has received positive feedback. Recently he was featured on a show called Making Moves, a business show on SABC 1.
“I received a call from the show and they told me they saw my work on Facebook and asked if I would be interested in appearing and competing in the show. I saw this as an opportunity to get my business out there,” said Mbangi. He said if he wins he will receive R50 000 towards growing his business. He has made it to the top six and hopes he will walk away with the winning prize.
The Express asked Mbangi if a bag business was always in the cards for him, he said it was never his plan. “The only thing I told myself was that I wanted my own business. I studied business management and, with that background, I told myself I can make my business work. After looking for that market gap I found out that people love custom-made stuff and my bags offered that. They are good quality and stylish bags that give an individual that personal touch,” explained Mbangi.
He said what makes Bundu Hide bags special is the raw, tough material they are made from.” Bundu means ‘wild uninhabited region far from towns or civilisation’ and my material is all about that but classic and unique at the same time. It’s quality leather,” he enthused.
Mbangi has big plans on the cards but said he’s taking it one day at the time. “I would love to see my products in big retail stores. It is not easy breaking into that industry but not impossible. Bundu Hide is a quality product that can compete with other big brands and I will take it there,” he said.
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He said he loves what he does, even though it may not be what he had studied, but he is passionate about his work.
“Never give up on your dreams and if you see opportunities arise, grab them with both hands and see where it will take you,” concluded Mbangi.
Edited by Beryl Knipe
